Medication administration at school

When it helps

Midday stimulant doses, as-needed medication for acute anxiety, or any medication that cannot be scheduled entirely outside school hours. Schools require their own form signed by the prescriber.

How it is usually written

Written on the district's medication authorization form rather than in the 504 plan; the plan may note that the student takes medication during the school day.

Making it work

The district's medication authorization form is separate from the 504 plan, needs the prescriber's signature, and usually has to be renewed each school year. Ask the nurse what the form requires before the appointment so it can be completed in one visit. The plan itself can note that the student takes medication at school so a missed dose is recognized as a possible explanation for an afternoon that goes badly.

Asking for it

A clinician’s letter that names the diagnosis, states the functional problem at school, and asks for this accommodation by name is what gets it written into a plan. The 504 and IEP support letter below builds that letter from structured choices and includes this accommodation with the wording above.